The 28-year-old former Tottenham player has spent much of his career as a winger, but he has been asked to become part of a rotating trio at Swansea, along with Nathan Dyer and Pablo Hernandez, behind striker Michu.

Routledge has struggled to settle at clubs, playing for nine teams so far, but he has been one of the key performers for the Capital One Cup winners this season.

He has netted five goals and welcomes the challenge of demonstrating his versatility for Swansea.

"We're all capable of nice neat touches, beating a player, finding the final pass and, this season, scoring goals," he said.

"It's a hard role playing in the middle, but you can rotate and most of the time be fresh when you get the ball.

"That works so well at the moment. I think we're all comfortable playing in whatever role the manager picks us in.

"If you see it on the pitch, you'll see Nathan go out to the left, you'll see me go out to the right and Pablo in the middle. We literally rotate constantly."

England No.2 Ray Lewington has been keeping a close eye on Routledge, but he is focusing on his form for Swansea rather than a possible international call-up.

He said: "It's a nice boost, but my only priority is playing well for Swansea. That's all I'm concentrating on and anything else is an added bonus.

"I know Ray from when I was younger at Crystal Palace and also from Fulham a little bit. He was always in charge of the reserves while I was with the youngsters."

Readers' Comments

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?